A BBC survey of over 5,000 GPs in England has revealed that hundreds of doctors have never refused to sign a patient off work for mental health issues. According to the BBC, 540 of the 752 GPs who replied to the questionnaire said they had never denied a fit note for mental health concerns.
The BBC sent the questionnaire to gather information on GPs' experiences with fit notes. The survey found that 162 GPs had turned down at least one request for a fit note, while 50 preferred not to say. The GPs who responded to the questionnaire also shared their frustrations with the current system, saying that the provision of fit notes should not be part of their jobs.
Police and Authority Response
There is no police involvement reported in this matter. However, the Royal College of GPs (RCGP) has stated that family doctors may not always be the most appropriate professionals to provide long-term support to enable patients to return to work.
The government has also responded, saying that it is clear the current fit note system needs reforming and that it is testing new approaches. A spokesperson said: "We know that we need to do more to build a system that works for everyone."
Investigation and Findings
The BBC analysis of NHS data shows that 72% of fit notes do not give a reason for the patient's absence. However, more than 956,000 notes last year cited mental health and behavioural disorders as the underlying reason.
Fit notes are approved when someone is unwell or cannot work for more than seven days. They do not have to specify why a person is being signed off, but can help to access certain benefits and sick pay.
Reform and Alternative Solutions
The government is exploring other options, including so-called "stay in/return to work" plans developed with businesses and occupational health professionals. Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is one of 60 companies working with officials to see how this could look.
Dr Richard Peters, JLR's chief medical officer, said firms have "a part to play" in supporting people with health conditions in work. However, there are wider concerns about how this kind of help could be scaled up, particularly for small businesses.
